By implementing economic incentives in EU chemicals legislation that would support companies who are moving away from hazardous chemicals, EU policy makers could stimulate the transition of the market towards sustainability more efficiently.

In the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the European Commission highlights that substitution of the most harmful substances has not occurred at the expected pace and that companies that are leading the way still encounter major economic and technical barriers. This report shows that this is because the current legislative system has disfavoured the market for alternatives.